Bicycle

ABSTRACT

A bicycle comprising a frame, seat, rear and front wheels, and a chain drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a rear sprocket conventionally connected to the rear wheel and a front sprocket which is conventionally rotated by means of pedals. The means supporting the front sprocket and the seat are connected together so that the front sprocket and seat can be selectively and simultaneously raised and lowered. A steering wheel is provided in lieu of conventional handlebars, the steering wheel being connected to the conventional steering post by means of a universal joint.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Harry D. Forse 220 Woods Road,Edgewood Addition, Anderson, Ind. 46011 [21] Appl. No. 875,409 [22]Filed Nov. 10, 1969 [45] Patented Oct. 19, 1971 [54] BICYCLE 13 Claims,8 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 280/261, 280/278 [51] Int. Cl B62m 1/02 [50] Field ofSearch 280/221, 261, 278,715,112

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,602,677 7/1952 Connolly280/261 3,113,785 12/1963 Bohnenkamp 280/7.l5

Primary ExaminerBenjamin Hersh Assistant Examiner-Robert R. SongAtt0rneyHood, Gust, Irish & Lundy ABSTRACT: A bicycle comprising aframe, seat, rear and front wheels, and a chain drive assembly. Thedrive assembly includes a rear sprocket conventionally connected to therear wheel and a front sprocket which is conventionally rotated by meansof pedals. The means supporting the front sprocket and the seat areconnected together so that the front sprocket and seat can beselectively and simultaneously raised and lowered. A steering wheel isprovided in lieu of conventional handlebars, the steering wheel beingconnected to the conventional steering post by means of a universaljoint.

PATENTEUUBT 19 I971 SHEET 1 [IF 2 INVENTOR. HARRY Dv FORSE ATTORNEYSPATENTEDum 19 I971 3,614. 1 3O SHEET 2 OF 2 uulnlmnn '00 INVENTOR. HARRYo. FORSE ATTORNEYS BICYCLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of theInvention The present invention relates to bicycles, and moreparticularly to the provision of a bicycle having a seat-and-pedalassembly which are selectively and simultaneously raised and lowered anda steering wheel which is tiltable relative to the steering post bymeans of a universal joint.

2. Description of the Prior Art Prior art bicycles have includedselectively adjustable seats and selectively adjustable pedalassemblies. Prior art bicycles have also utilized steering wheels inlieu of handle bars.

The bicycle of the present invention differs from the prior art in thatit includes a pedal assembly or front sprocket assembly which isselectively and simultaneously raised and lowered with the seat, asteering wheel, and means for locking the steering wheel in a selectedtilted position relative to the bicycle frame and seat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The bicycle of the present invention comprisesa frame, a rear wheel for supporting the frame, a seat, a post forsupporting the seat on the frame, and means for driving the rear wheel.The driving means includes a first sprocket connected to the rear wheelfor rotation therewith about the axis of the wheel, a second sprocketspaced forwardly of the first sprocket, and endless flexible means fordrivingly connecting the sprockets. A generally forwardly extending barhaving a rear end portion and a forward end portion is provided, therear end portion being mounted on the bicycle frame for pivotal movementabout an axis generally parallel to the rear wheel axis. Preferably, thebar will be pivoted about the axis of the rear wheel. The secondsprocket is journal mounted on the forward end portion of the bar forrotation about an axis generally parallel to the rear wheel axis. Thelower end of the post which supports the seat is connected to the barwhich supports the second sprocket and means is provided for selectivelyand simultaneously raising and lowering the post and bar vertically toposition the seat and second sprocket relative to the bicycle frame.

The bicycle of the present invention further includes a front wheel anda steering post for connecting the front wheel to the frame, thesteering post having the conventional lower forked portion to which thefront wheel is journaled and an upper portion. A steering wheel isprovided for steering the bicycle, this steering wheel being connectedto the upper end portion of the steering post by means of a universaljoint. Thus, the steering wheel is tiltable to accommodate the positionof the seat and the second sprocket. Means is provided for locking thesteering wheel in a selected tilted position relative to the bicycleframe and seat.

Recognizing that children enjoy being different and appearing different,it is an object of the present invention to provide a bicycle which willappeal to children in that it can be drastically changed in appearancewith a minimum of effort. The seat and pedal assembly of the bicycle canbe elevated so that the rider of the bicycle will be positionedconsiderably higher than the rider of a conventional bicycle. Thetiltable steering wheel of the bicycle can be locked in tilted positionscorresponding to the various positions in which the seat may be locked.

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention andthe manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the inventionitself will be best understood by reference to the following descriptionof an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is an elevational view,partially cut away of the bicycle of the present invention showing theseat and pedal assembly in their lowest respective positions and thesteering wheel in the position corresponding to the lowest position ofthe seat;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view, partially cut away, showing the bicycleof the present invention with the seat and pedal assemblies in theirhighest respective positions and the steering wheel tilted to theposition corresponding to the uppermost position of the seat;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the universal jointconnection between the steering wheel and the steering post of thebicycle and means for locking the steering wheel in a selected tiltedposition relative to the bicycle frame;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken from FIG. 3 generally alongthe line 44;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, sectional view showing one means for lockingthe seat post in a selected position;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken from FIG. 5 generallyalong line 6-6;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view showing an alternativemeans for locking the seat post in a selected position; and

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view showing another alternative meansfor locking the seat post in a selected position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings,it will be seen that there is illustrated a bicycle 10 comprising aframe 12 including frame portions 14, 16, 13 which are rigidly connectedtogether by means such as welding. The bicycle l0 comprises a rear wheel20 and a front wheel 22, the front wheel 22 being connected to the frame12 by means of a conventional steering post 24 which is journaled in anupwardly extending sleeve 26 (FIG. 3) rigidly attached to the forwardend of the frame 12. The steering post 24 is conventionally providedwith a lower, forked portion 28 to which the front wheel 22 is journaledand an upper portion 30 which is best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. A steeringwheel 32 is drivingly connected to this upper portion 30 by means of aconventional universal joint 34 which is also best seen in FIGS. 3 and4. This universal joint 34 permits the steering wheel 32 to be tilted asindicated by the arrow 36 (FIGv 3) relative to the steering post 24 andthe frame 12 of the bicycle. In any of its tilted positions, turning ofthe steering wheel 32, of course, turns the front wheel 22.

The frame portion 14 of the bicycle includes the decorative hood orcover indicated at 14 in FIGS. 1 and 2 and steel bars indicated at I4 inFIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8. This hood or cover extends from the steeringpost 24 rearwardly past a major portion of the rear wheel.

In the illustrative embodiment, the steering wheel 32 includes a metalframe element 38 to which is rigidly attached a post 40 (FIGS. 3 and 4)which is, in turn, connected at its lower end to the universal joint 34.The steering wheel frame 38 may be covered with plastic for aestheticreasons as indicated at 42.

Preferably, means will be provided for locking the steering wheel 32 inselected tilted positions relative to the frame 12 of the bicycle. Inthe illustrative embodiment, first bracket means including a pair ofbracket portions 44a, 4412 are rigidly attached to the forward portionof the frame 12 to extend upwardly. Then, second bracket means includinga member providing downwardly extending bracket portions 46a, 46b isconnected to the steering wheel 32 for relative movement only about therotational axis of the steering wheel, i.e., about the axis of thedownwardly extending post 40. In FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be seen that thepost 40 extends through an opening 50 in the member which provides thebracket portions 46a, 46b. The bracket portions 44a, 44b extendalongside, respectively, bracket portions 46a, 46b. Fastening elements,indicated generally at 52, are provided for pivotally connecting bracketportions 44b, 46b. Other fastening elements, indicated generally at 54,are provided for pivotally connecting bracket portions 440, 46a. Thefastening elements 54 include a -lel and in contact. Thus, when thelever 58 is operated to tighten the connection indicated generally at54, the bracket portions 44a, 46a will be held tightly together and,therefore, frictionally locked against relative movement.

The bicycle comprises means for driving the rear wheel .20, the drivingmeans including a first (rear) sprocket 66 conventionally connected tothe rear wheel for rotation therewith about the axis of the wheel, asecond (forward) sprocket 68 spaced forwardly of the first sprocket, anda chain 70 for drivingly connecting the sprockets. The second sprocket68 is conventionally driven by pedals P. In conventional bicycles, theforward sprocket is conventionally journal mounted at a fixed locationon the bicycle frame. The second sprocket 68 is mounted on an assemblywhich pivots about the axis of the rear wheel 20. In the illustrativeembodiment there is a chain guard assembly including a generallyforwardly extending bar 72 having a rear end portion 74 and a forwardend portion 76. This bar 72 may be a structurally rigid component of theillustrated rather ornamental chain guard assembly and it is for thisreason that the bar is indicated by the reference numeral 72 and thechain guard assembly is indicated by the reference numeral 72a.

The rear end portion 74 of the bar 72 is preferably connected to theframe 12 for pivotal movement about the axis of the rear wheel 20. Thesprocket 68 is journal mounted on the forward end portion 76 of the bar72 for rotation about an axis which is parallel to the rear wheel axis.

A treadle 78 is rigidly attached to the rear end portion 74 of the bar72 to extend rearwardly from the pivot axis thereof. The forward endportion 76 of the bar 72 is lifted upwardly by pushing downwardly asindicated by the arrow 79 on the treadle 78. Since the second sprocket68 is journal mounted on this forward end portion 76, the pedalassembly, i.e., the sprocket 68 and the pedals P, can be lifted upwardlyby pushing downwardly on the treadle 78.

The bicycle 10 includes a seat 80 which may be conventionally mounted ona seat post 82, the lower end of which is pivotally connected to the bar72 as indicated at 84. Since the bar 72 swings upwardly about the axisof the rear wheel, it may be advisable for the pivotal connection 84 tobe accomplished by means of an elongated slot 86 in the bar 72 and a pin88 which is rigidly connected to the lower end of the post 82 and whichrides in the slot 86. In this manner, the bar 72 and post 82 can beraised without pivoting the post about an axis which is parallel to thewheel 20 axis. Thus, the post 82 can be reciprocably received in asleeve such as indicated at 100 in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, which sleeve isrigidly welded to the frame 12 of the bicycle. An alternative to thistype of pivotal connection indicated at 84 in FIG. 1 will be discussedin conjunction with FIG. 8.

Since the post 82 is connected to the bar 72, the post and the bar aresimultaneously raised and lowered by means of the treadle 78. Thus, theseat 80 and the pedals P are simultaneously raised and lowered.

According to the present invention, means are provided for selectivelylocking the seat 80 and pedals P at the desired height relative to theframe 12. In the illustrative embodiment, this locking of the seat andpedal assembly is accomplished by clamping or fastening the post82 at aselected position relative to the sleeve 100.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, there is illustrated a clamping washer 102 which isdisposed above the sleeve 100 and through which the post 82 extends. Thewasher 102 is mounted for pivotal movement about a diametricallyextending axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve 100 andwhich is defined by the illustrated rocker shafts 104. The rocker shafts104 are rockably supported by diametrically oppositely disposed brackets106 which may be welded to the sleeve 100. A lever 108 is rigidlyattached to the end of one shaft 104 to provide means for tilting thewasher 102. Preferably, the center opening in the washer 102 will bejust slightly larger than the outer diameter of the post 82 so that,when the washer is tilted to a plane which is perpendicular to the axisof the post 82, the post can reciprocate freely through the washer andso that, when the washer is tilted to a plane inclined to the axis ofthe post, the internal surface of the washer will engage the externalsurface of the post frictionally to resist movement of the post. In FIG.6, the washer is shown in solid lines in its frictional locking positionand in broken lines in its nonlocking position. The washer 102 is movedfrom its locking position to its nonlocking position by pivoting thelever 108 in the direction of the arrow 110 (FIG. 5). Spring means, notshown, may be used for yieldably urging the washer 102 to its lockingposition.

Referring to FIG. 7, another locking means will be discussed. In FIG. 7,the post indicated at 82' is notched as indicated at 112 for more secureengagement by the washer 102' when it is in its locking position. Thenotches 112 are merely illustrative and even the slightest ofindentations longitudinally spaced along diametrically opposite sides ofthe posts 82' will increase the holding power of the washer 102Referring now to FIG. 8, it will be seen that there is illustrated asleeve 100' through which the post 82 extends. This sleeve 100' isdisposed in a longitudinally elongated slot such as indicated at 114 andis mounted for pivotal movement on the frame 12 by means of trunnionsI16, 118. That is, the sleeve 100' is pivotally movable relative to thebicycle frame 12 about an axis which is generally parallel to the axisof the rear wheel 20. When the pivotally movable sleeve 100' is used,the connection between the lower end of the post 82 and the bar 72 maybe a conventional pivotal connection which does not permit movement ofthe end of the post longitudinally along the bar. When the pivotedsleeve 100' is used with such a conventional pivotal connection betweenthe post 82 and bar 72 raising and lowering the bar will result in aSlight tilting of the post about the axis defined by the trunnions 116,118.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the post 82 is frictionally locked inselected positions relative to the sleeve 100 by means of a setscrewwhich thrcadedly engages a bore of the trunnion 116. The screw 120 isadvanced to engage the post 82 by pivoting a lever 108 rigidly connectedto the outer end of the screw.

The bicycle 10 includes a stand or platform 126 which is rigidlyattached to the frame 12 and which provides a foot piece 128 disposedgenerally behind the pedal assembly when it is in its lower position.The platform 126 includes a footpad or foot piece 128 on which the riderof the bicycle 10 can stand or place his foot when raising and loweringthe seat 80. The platform 126 and foot piece 128 will be placed farenough behind the sprocket 68 and pedals P that they will not interferewith the pedaling of the bicycle.

In FIG. 2, there is illustrated a stop bracket 136 located on the frameportion 16 and arranged to limit the downward movement of the bar 72.This stop bracket 136 serves to establish the lowest position of thesprocket 68.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, there is illustrated a hand-operated lever 132 whichmay be used to lift the pedal assembly to the desired elevation.

It will be readily understood that the pedal-and-seat assembly 68, 80may be selectively raised by a small, hand-actuated hydraulic pump, orby means of a battery-powered electric actuator motor.

While there have been discussed above the principles of this invention,in conjunction with specific apparatus, it is to be clearly understoodthat this description is made by way of example and not as a limitationto the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A bicycle comprising a frame, a rear wheel for supporting said frame,a seat, a post for supporting said seat on said frame, a pedal assemblyfor driving said rear wheel, said assembly including a first sprocketconnected to said rear wheel for rotation therewith about the axisthereof, a second sprocket spaced forwardly of said first sprocket,pedals for driving said second sprocket, endless flexible means fordrivingly connecting said sprockets, and means for supporting saidsecond sprocket for movement between a lower position on said frame andan upper position on said frame, said post being connected to saidsupport means for movement therewith, and means for locking said supportmeans in selected positions between said upper and lower positionsthereby to position said seat and said pedal assembly.

2. The bicycle of claim 1 in which said locking means includes means forlocking said post against movement relative to said frame.

3. A bicycle comprising a frame, a rear wheel for supporting said frame,a seat, a post for supporting said seat on said frame, means for drivingsaid rear wheel including a first sprocket connected to said rear wheelfor rotation therewith about the axis thereof, a second sprocket spacedforwardly of said first sprocket, and endless flexible means fordrivingly connecting said sprockets, a generally forwardly extending barhaving a rear end portion and a forward end portion, means for mountingthe rear end portion of said bar on said frame for pivotal movementabout an axis generally parallel to said rear wheel axis, said secondsprocket beingjournal mounted on the forward end portion of said bar forrotation about an axis generally parallel to said rear wheel axis, meansfor connecting said post to said bar, and means for selectively andsimultaneously raising and lowering said post and bar vertically toposition said seat and said second sprocket relative to said frame.

4. The bicycle of claim 3 including a front wheel and a steering postfor connecting said front wheel to said frame, said steering post havinga lower forked portion to which said front wheel is journaled and anupper portion, a steering wheel, a universal joint for drivinglyconnecting said steering wheel to said upper portion where by saidsteering wheel is pivotally movable relative to said steering post, andmeans for locking said steering wheel in a selected tilted positionrelative to said frame and seat.

5. The bicycle of claim 4 in which said locking means includes firstbracket means rigidly connected to said frame and second bracket meansconnected to said steering wheel for relative movement only about therotational axis of said steering wheel, a portion of said second bracketmeans extending alongside a portion of said first bracket means, andmeans for fastening said bracket portions against relative movement.

6. The bicycle of claim 5 in which said fastening means includes athreaded fastening element penetrating said bracket portions and a leverincluding a portion of which threadedly engages said fastening element,said fastening element and said lever being effective frictionally tolock said bracket portions against relative movement.

7. The bicycle of claim 3 including means for raising said bar and post,the last said means including a treadle rigidly attached to said rearend portion of said bar to extend rearwardly from the pivot axisthereof.

8. The bicycle of claim 7 wherein said raising means further includes afoot piece member on said frame located so that the rider may place onefoot upon said member and the other upon said treadle thereby to raisesaid bar and post.

10. The bicycle of claim 9 in which said clamping means includeslever-operated means for frictionally engaging said ost. p 9. Thebicycle of claim 3 in which said raising and lowering means includesmeans for selectively clamping said post against movement relative tosaid frame.

11. The bicycle of claim 9 including means for raising said bar andpost, the last said means including a treadle rigidly attached to saidrear end portion of said bar to extend rearwardly from the pivot axisthereof.

12. The bicycle of claim 9 including means for raising said bar andpost, the last said means including a hand-operated lever connected tosaid bar.

13. The bicycle of claim 8 including a front wheel and a

1. A bicycle comprising a frame, a rear wheel for supporting said frame,a seat, a post for supporting said seat on said frame, a pedal assemblyfor driving said rear wheel, said assembly including a first sprocketconnected to said rear wheel for rotation therewith about the axisthereof, a second sprocket spaced forwardly of said first sprocket,pedals for driving said second sprocket, endless flexible means fordrivingly connecting said sprockets, and means for supporting saidsecond sprocket for movement between a lower position on said frame andan upper position on said frame, said post being connected to saidsupport means for movement therewith, and means for locking said supportmeans in selected positions between said upper and lower positionsthereby to position said seat and said pedal assembly.
 2. The bicycle ofclaim 1 in which said locking means includes means for locking said postagainst movement relative to said frame.
 3. A bicycle comprising aframe, a rear wheel for supporting said frame, a seat, a post forsupporting said seat on said frame, means for driving said rear wheelincluding a first sprocket connected to said rear wheel for rotationtherewith about the axis thereof, a second sprocket spaced forwardly ofsaid first sprocket, and endless flexible means for drivingly connectingsaid sprockets, a generally forwardly extending bar having a rear endportion and a forward end portion, means for mounting the rear endportion of said bar on said frame for pivotal movement about an axisgenerally parallel to said rear wheel axis, said second sprocket beingjournal mounted on the forward end portion of said bar for rotationabout an axis generally parallel to said rear wheel axis, means forconnecting said post to said bar, and means for selectively andsimultaneously raising and lowering said post and bar vertically toposition said seat and said second sprocket relative to said frame. 4.The bicycle of claim 3 including a front wheel and a steering post forconnecting said front wheel to said frame, said steering post having alower forked portion to which said front wheel is journaled and an upperportion, a steering wheel, a universal joint for drivingly connectingsaid steering wheel to said upper portion where by said steering wheelis pivotally movable relative to said steering post, and means forlocking said steering wheel in a selected tilted position relative tosaid frame and seat.
 5. The bicycle of claim 4 in which said lockingmeans includes first bracket means rigidly connected to said frame andsecond bracket means connected to said steering wheel for relativemovement only about the rotational axis of said steering wheel, aportion of said sEcond bracket means extending alongside a portion ofsaid first bracket means, and means for fastening said bracket portionsagainst relative movement.
 6. The bicycle of claim 5 in which saidfastening means includes a threaded fastening element penetrating saidbracket portions and a lever including a portion of which threadedlyengages said fastening element, said fastening element and said leverbeing effective frictionally to lock said bracket portions againstrelative movement.
 7. The bicycle of claim 3 including means for raisingsaid bar and post, the last said means including a treadle rigidlyattached to said rear end portion of said bar to extend rearwardly fromthe pivot axis thereof.
 8. The bicycle of claim 7 wherein said raisingmeans further includes a foot piece member on said frame located so thatthe rider may place one foot upon said member and the other upon saidtreadle thereby to raise said bar and post.
 9. The bicycle of claim 3 inwhich said raising and lowering means includes means for selectivelyclamping said post against movement relative to said frame.
 10. Thebicycle of claim 9 in which said clamping means includes lever-operatedmeans for frictionally engaging said post.
 11. The bicycle of claim 9including means for raising said bar and post, the last said meansincluding a treadle rigidly attached to said rear end portion of saidbar to extend rearwardly from the pivot axis thereof.
 12. The bicycle ofclaim 9 including means for raising said bar and post, the last saidmeans including a hand-operated lever connected to said bar.
 13. Thebicycle of claim 8 including a front wheel and a steering post forconnecting said front wheel to said frame, said steering post having alower forked portion to which said front wheel is journaled and an upperportion, a steering wheel, a universal joint for drivingly connectingsaid steering wheel to said upper portion whereby said steering wheel ispivotally movable relative to said steering post, and means for lockingsaid steering wheel in a selected tilted position relative to said frameand seat.